The World’s Best Historic Hotels

The world is full of historic hotels, from the fairytale castles of Ireland, and the desert oases of Morocco to the legendary safari camps of Kenya and art deco train journeys through Europe. These places provide more than just luxurious accommodation; they offer a rare glimpse into the past, awaken the imagination and deepen your understanding of each destination.

Our favourite historic places to stay are as diverse as the cities and regions where you’ll find them. The common threads among them are an appreciation for their heritage and respect for tradition, alongside contemporary comforts and innovative approaches to hospitality. If you’re looking for a luxury hotel with a strong sense of place, put these spots at the top of your list.

Historic hotels in Latin America

Hotel Monasterio, Cusco, Peru

Set in the magnificent city of Cusco, Monasterio is a former monastery that has been lovingly restored to beautiful effect. Decorated with antiques and built on Incan foundations, this renowned luxury hotel is protected by Peru’s National Institute of Culture. It boasts an impressive art collection and a peaceful courtyard shaded by a 300-year-old Andean Cedar tree, as well as oxygen-enriched bedrooms to help you acclimatise to the high altitude.

Hacienda Zuleta, Otavalo, Ecuador

Hacienda Zuleta is a former president’s home in the stunning Otavalo countryside. Rooms are adorned with antiques and there’s libraries decorated with historical paintings and photographs. The estate produces its own cheese onsite and there is an exciting program for the rehabilitation of Condors. Based in an impressive 2,000 hectares of countryside, when you are not admiring the heritage furniture and ornaments, spend your time horse riding, mountain biking and hiking around the surrounding pastureland. Further your understanding of Ecuadorian culture by stopping at Otavalo Market while in the region.

Chablé Resort & Spa, Yucatán, Mexico

Located near Mérida on the Yucatán Peninsula, Chablé Resort & Spa is a perfect fusion of old and new. The hotel is set on the site of a 17th-century cattle ranch, and remnants of the original structure sit side-by-side with modern, minimalist furnishings. Its spa is centred around a natural cenote and also includes a sauna, steam room and salt cabin. The cuisine is a highlight, with both healthy options and opportunities to indulge – including tequila and chocolate tastings.

Copacabana Palace, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Copacabana Beach is among the most famous spots in Rio de Janeiro, and the Copacabana Palace is its most iconic hotel. The grand beachfront building includes 140 rooms and suites, a spacious swimming pool, rooftop tennis courts, a Michelin-starred restaurant serving pan-Asian cuisine and three other exquisite dining options. It’s a haven of relaxation and glamour, where every detail is infused with the unmistakable identity of Brazil’s second-largest city.

El Convento Boutique Hotel, Antigua, Guatemala

As its name suggests, El Convento Boutique Hotel is located right beside the historic Capuchinas Convent in Antigua, Guatemala. With just 14 rooms housed in a colonial building, the hotel radiates a sense of simple elegance with abundant dark wood, exposed brick and stone. Some of its suites have their own fireplaces, hot tubs and private patios, and the central location makes it easy to explore Antigua’s cobbled streets and charming squares on foot.

Historic hotels in Africa

Jack's Camp, Makgadikgadi Pans, Botswana

Located in the Makgadikgadi Pans, Jack’s Camp is a second-generation, family-run oasis founded in the 1960s. The camp seamlessly blends the stunning natural beauty of one of Africa’s most remote places, with interiors that are reminiscent of a refinded, historic city hotel. Imagine four-poster beds, polished wooden floors, a vintage billiards table, Persian carpets and velvet armchairs, all cocooned beneath billowing silks and cottons.

The Mount Nelson, Cape Town, South Africa

This large heritage property, opened in 1899, is regarded as one of Cape Town’s premier hotels. Set within beautiful, landscaped grounds—open to the public even before the hotel’s construction and still accessible today—and in the shadow of the looming Table Mountain, the Mount Nelson stands as an elegant city landmark. A visit here would not be complete without enjoying the extravagant afternoon tea, served in the sophisticated sitting room and observatory

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel, Cape Town, South Africa

Cape Cadogan Boutique Hotel combines Cape Town’s thriving art scene with the natural splendour of Table Mountain. Some of the best hikes in South Africa are within close reach, and the hotel’s focus on spotlighting local artists and artisans lends it a unique atmosphere defined by bold patterns and jewel tones. The main building – a National Monument dating back to the 1800s – is complemented by the newer Residence: a three-bedroom, exclusive-use house.

Cottar’s 1920s Camp, Mara Conservancies, Kenya

Cottar’s 1920s Camp embodies the classic style of 20th-century safaris, complemented by modern luxury and world-class guiding. This gorgeous camp in the Olderkesi Community Conservancy (one of the Mara Conservancies) has deluxe canvas tents, antique furnishings and a vintage aesthetic that evokes the era when the Cottar family first started offering safaris in Kenya – all the way back in 1919. Today it’s a top choice for both families and honeymooners.

Dar Ahlam, Skoura, Morocco

Sleep within the walls of a 200-year-old kasbah at Dar Ahlam, a genuine oasis amid the deserts surrounding Skoura. Your time here can be as leisurely or exciting as you like: relax by the pool, taste traditional delicacies in the Food Lab (an extensive garden where traditional farming meets cutting-edge cultivation methods) or explore the town’s historical sites and weekly market. You can even spend a night or two at a nomadic desert camp or in an ancient Berber village.

Old Cataract, Aswan, Egypt

When it comes to historic accommodation in Egypt, the Old Cataract is hard to top. Located beside the Nile in Aswan, this legendary hotel has been open since the turn of the 20th century. The original palace exudes an aura of traditional luxury with sparkling chandeliers and high ceilings, while the newer Nile Wing blends this style with colourful modern accents. The hotel’s four restaurants serve impeccable French, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine.

Historic hotels in Europe

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express

The Venice Simplon-Orient-Express is the epitome of luxury train travel in Europe. This historic railway has been transporting esteemed guests across the continent for decades. Its carefully restored carriages are decked out with plush velvet upholstery, vintage light fixtures, inlaid wood and art deco design. Decadent seasonal cuisine is served in the three dining cars, and the sumptuous bar car offers aperitifs and midnight brunches accompanied by live piano music.

Dromoland Castle, County Clare, Ireland

Ireland’s castle hotels invite you to step into a world of timeless beauty and grandeur. Dromoland Castle is one of our favourites, imbued with a thousand years of heritage and set on a 500-acre (200-hectare) estate on the country’s west coast. It’s not hard to see why this is one of Europe’s best boutique hotels; beyond its lavish suites and staterooms, there are two lovely restaurants, a serene spa, an eighteen-hole golf course and many other surprises in store.

The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, Bath, England

Travel back to the 18th century at the Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa, an icon of authenticity and exceptional service among all the historic hotels in Europe. Located in the Roman spa city of Bath, the hotel is housed in two of the thirty terraced townhouses that comprise the graceful arch of the Royal Crescent. Its 45 rooms and suites range from brightly coloured contemporary design to palatial opulence, including special suites for families and a private garden villa.

Historic hotels in Asia and Australasia

Amantaka, Luang Prabang, Laos

The Amantaka is a boutique property of fifteen converted French-influenced buildings. Simple whitewashed walls constrast against rich, dark wood furniture and ceiling rafters. Contemporary takes on clawfoot baths and the stunning central swimming pool contribute to the easy sophistication and luxurious feel. We love the location too, a mere stroll from the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang.

Raffles Singapore, Singapore

The Raffles hotel in Singapore is steeped in history, most commonly known for its invention of gin-based cocktail, the Singapore Sling. This flagship hotel opened in 1887 on the site of a privately owned 10-bedroom beach house. Now, after various expansions, it hosts 103 beautifully decorated suites featuring art deco style, historic memorabilia and even rooms dedicated to famous figures associated with the hotel’s illustrious past.

Otahuna Lodge, Christchurch, New Zealand

Otahuna Lodge sits within a sprawling estate of farmland and pretty manicured gardens that encircle the property. The location, the Christchurch countryside, is lush green with sweeping slopes punctuated with woodland and bright flowers, all in the shadow of a craggy dormant volcano. Constructed in 1895, this Victorian house (the largest private residence of its kind in New Zealand) has now been beautifully restored with dark wood, elegant antique furniture, ornate fireplaces and a whitewashed veranda that boasts sweeping views across the the beautiful landscapes.

137 Pillars, Chiang Mai, Thailand

Only a ten-minute drive from the centre of Chiang Mai, in the lovely historic neighbourhood of Wat Gate, 137 Pillars is a wholly unique hotel housed in a handful of 19th-century buildings. The combination of polished teak, wooden lattice details and eclectic vintage decor makes it feel like you’ve stepped inside a treasure chest. This sensation is heightened by whimsical touches like the enormous wall of ivy beside the swimming pool and vivid pops of colour throughout.

Ceylon Tea Trails, Tea Country, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s Tea Country is a land of leafy green hills and age-old traditions. It’s here that you’ll find Ceylon Tea Trails: a true home away from home tucked in among the highland tea plantations. This 5,000-acre (2,000-hectare) property features five bungalows, each in its own secluded corner of the grounds. The oldest one dates back to the late 1800s and has a private swimming pool, hot tub, tennis court and gardens with stunning views of the surroundings.